CQC Regulatory Fees for 2017/18

NHS Providers submitted a response to the CQC consultation on fees for 2017/18. Our response covered the following key points:

We understand and recognise that the fee levels for 2017/18 will meet the objective of achieving full cost recovery and reflect the requirements imposed upon the CQC by HM Treasury.

However, we are disappointed that the consultation dismisses the possibility of revising the timescale of the trajectory to full cost recovery, particularly considering that a more extended timeframe was overwhelmingly supported by those who took part in last year’s consultation.

We remain concerned at the limited capacity of our members to absorb the significant additional CQC fees that this and last year’s consultation have brought about.

The proposals in this consultation mean that NHS providers will see their fees rise by almost 50 per cent in April 2017, equating to over £100,000 for some. Across the whole NHS provider sector, the rise in fees is more than £18 million, which would be sufficient to cover the wages of around 700 nurses for a year. This comes on the back of a fee increase for NHS trusts of as much as 75 percent in 2016/17.

The proposed increases in CQC fees will add further pressure on NHS foundation trusts and trusts which are already operating in a climate of significant financial constraints.

We look forward to seeing the proposed changes to the CQC’s model as outlined in its new five year strategy making a positive impact on ground, including on sustainability and affordability of the regulatory framework.